EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT NEWS

Memorial Day weekend is considered the unofficial start of summer. ReadyWisconsin wants you to be safe while still enjoying this busy holiday weekend. Whether you are traveling or staying home, consider these safety tips for you and your family:

MADISON, Wis. — How would Wisconsin fare if its power grid were under attack, resulting in a long-term mass power outage? To answer that question, public safety agencies from across the state tested their emergency response plans during the May 14-17 Dark Sky exercise.

MADISON, Wis. — Approximately 110 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers will partner with local emergency management, fire and police from the city of Omro, Winnebago County and the American Red Cross to go door-to-door in Omro, Wisconsin, May 16 as part of a full-scale training exercise known as Dark Sky.

MADISON, Wis. — A full-scale training exercise simulating a long-term mass power outage in Wisconsin kicks off May 15 at sites around the state. There will be no actual power outages associated with the Dark Sky exercise.

MADISON – Governor Scott Walker signed Executive Order #287 today in response to wildfire conditions in Wisconsin. “We are taking a precautionary measure in order to protect our state,” said Governor Walker. “By taking this step we are ensuring that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has the tools to combat the spread of any wildfires. We appreciate the tireless efforts of the DNR, the Wisconsin National Guard, and Wisconsin Emergency Management in working together to protect Wisconsin families.” The National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings for portions of the State of Wisconsin on both Sunday, April 29, 2018 and Monday, April 30, 2018. Out of concern that these conditions may continue, the Governor has declared a State of Emergency in order to give the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources additional resources if these conditions continue. A copy of the executive order is attached . Read Full News Release

MADISON, Wis. — When severe weather is on the horizon, your safety may depend on receiving information about threatening conditions as quickly as possible. Having an emergency weather radio in your home or office could save your life.

MILWAUKEE — More than 10,000 Milwaukee-area elementary students gathered at Miller Park Wednesday (April 18) for the 10th annual Weather Day to learn how to prepare for weather-related emergencies, thanks to Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Wisconsin National Guard and FEMA’s Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) program.

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker has declared April 8-14 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. The week is designed to recognize Wisconsin’s dispatchers and communicators who play a vital role in public safety.

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WEM Information

Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) is the lead state agency charged with coordinating the state's planning, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery efforts for natural and man-caused disasters.

WEM operates a 24-hour emergency hotline to answer calls reporting hazardous materials spills, requests for state assistance in search and rescue missions, severe weather events, public health problems, and other threats to public safety.